Law.com Subscribers SAVE 30%

Call 855-808-4530 or email [email protected] to receive your discount on a new subscription.

Cameo Clips

By Stan Soocher
April 27, 2012

COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT/STATUTES OF LIMITATIONS

The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York decided that the injury rule, rather than the discovery rule, applied to the three-year federal statute of limitations for a copyright infringement claim over the “Iron Man Theme” composition. The district court additionally found that a three-year statute of limitations for violation of property rights under New York law should apply to the plaintiff's common law claim of copyright infringement of his theme sound recording. Urbont v. Sony Music Entertainment, 11 Civ. 4516. Composer and record producer Jack Urbont developed the theme for such TV shows as The Guiding Light and General Hospital. In the 1960s, Urbont wrote the “Iron Man Theme” for a segment in The Marvel Super Heroes TV show. In June 2011, he filed suit alleging infringement of his hero theme in two recordings on Ghostface Killah's 2000 album Supreme Clientele. The parties agreed that the statute of limitations on Urbont's claims was tolled as of May 21, 2010. Sony then moved to dismiss Urbont's federal and state law claims.

This premium content is locked for Entertainment Law & Finance subscribers only

  • Stay current on the latest information, rulings, regulations, and trends
  • Includes practical, must-have information on copyrights, royalties, AI, and more
  • Tap into expert guidance from top entertainment lawyers and experts

For enterprise-wide or corporate acess, please contact Customer Service at [email protected] or 877-256-2473

Read These Next
New York's Latest Cybersecurity Commitment Image

On Aug. 9, 2023, Gov. Kathy Hochul introduced New York's inaugural comprehensive cybersecurity strategy. In sum, the plan aims to update government networks, bolster county-level digital defenses, and regulate critical infrastructure.

Law Firms are Reducing Redundant Real Estate by Bringing Support Services Back to the Office Image

A trend analysis of the benefits and challenges of bringing back administrative, word processing and billing services to law offices.

The Bankruptcy Hotline Image

Recent cases of importance to your practice.

Bit Parts Image

Summary Judgment Denied Defendant in Declaratory Action by Producer of To Kill a Mockingbird Broadway Play Seeking Amateur Theatrical Rights

How AI Has Affected PR Image

When we consider how the use of AI affects legal PR and communications, we have to look at it as an industrywide global phenomenon. A recent online conference provided an overview of the latest AI trends in public relations, and specifically, the impact of AI on communications. Here are some of the key points and takeaways from several of the speakers, who provided current best practices, tips, concerns and case studies.